Georgia DUI Accidents
Driving under the influence (DUI) accidents impact thousands of innocent people yearly, leading to debilitating injuries and deaths. Fully one-tenth of all vehicle accident injuries and 40% of all vehicle accident deaths are DUI related. Subsequently, the average citizen views DUI as a grave criminal offense.
One of the greatest risks of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is being in an accident. Once you are charged with DUI after being involved in an accident involving property damage, personal injury, or a fatality, you could face felony criminal charges and amplified penalties. You might also face heightened charges such as vehicular manslaughter or homicide. Penalties for a Georgia DUI accident include incarceration, probation, fines, community service, and loss of driving privileges.
When most people think of DUI incidents, they often assume that alcohol is the only substance being investigated. However, other substances such as prescription medications, inhalants, over-the-counter medicine or illegal drugs can impair ability to drive, thus becoming a factor in an accident.
Fighting a DUI Accident Charge
If your case involves a DUI accident, having a solid defensive strategy is crucial. A skilled DUI defense attorney will examine the mitigating factors involved in your case to develop a workable plan of action to ensure your future is protected. A properly executed defense strategy could be the difference in overcoming odds that may initially seem stacked against you.
In some cases, an attorney may utilize an accident reconstruction specialist to help your case. This specialist will return to the scene of the accident to collect evidence, conduct witness interviews, and review police reports in order to reconstruct the accident. If the specialist finds that the accident was unavoidable or that you were not fully responsible, this can help you avoid more serious penalties. For example, if another driver ran a red light and caused you to hit their vehicle after you consumed a few drinks, you may be absolved of responsibility for the accident since it was actually the fault of someone else.
If you’ve been involved in a DUI accident, you should retain the services of an experienced DUI defense lawyer today. Your attorney can help you avoid the life-changing repercussions of a DUI conviction.
